poukisa
everyday, Haitian Creole
In Haitian Creole, "why" is poukisa. The answer often begins with paske, meaning "because". It is also called pou kisa.
Meaning: question word for a reason (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Creole | Note |
|---|---|
| poukisa | everyday, Haitian Creole |
| pou kisa | spelling variant |
Put it at the start: Poukisa ou pa vini? means "Why aren't you coming?"
Which one should you use?
It is built from pou (for) and kisa (what), so it literally asks "for what".
How do you pronounce it?
Say poukisa as "poo-kee-SA".
Did you know?
- The answering word paske comes from French parce que.
Examples in context
- Poukisa ou pa vini?Why are you not coming?
- Poukisa sa?Why is that?
Example conversation
A father named Gerard asks his daughter Mimi about homework.
- GerardPoukisa ou pa fè devwa ou?Why have you not done your homework?
- MimiPaske mwen fatige.Because I am tired.
- GerardFè l kounye a.Do it now.
